Worshipful Master's Message

Your Image As A Mason

This article is based upon an article in the book ". . . At Refreshment" by Stewart M. L. Pollard. The article I reference "Just S’Pose", is based on a quotation from Brother Travis B. Watkins, Past Grand Master of New Mexico.

Each year we re-qualify for our privileges in Masonry by just paying our dues. Consider that in addition to paying our dues, we had to stand for re-election in order to obtain the rights, lights and benefits we, as Masons, are entitled to and had been elected OR re-elected to receive just one short year ago. Do you think you would be reinstated? Would the ballot on you be fair in the South?

Before you answer those questions, suppose even more that your re-election was dependent upon an account of your masonic conduct during the past year both within and without the lodge. Would your ballot be clear? Would your ballot be fair in the West?

Further suppose that your reinstatement was dependent on your good works and service to Masonry in general and your lodge, in particular. Do you have a record of your service and good works to present in your defense? And suppose that this account had to be attested to by another Brother who is already in good standing and has been re-elected. Would a good and worthy Brother attest to your record? Would your ballot be fair in the East?

Now, expand your thinking and consider what would happen if every member of this lodge does just as much for the lodge as you do. In fact, assume your attendance and service sets the pattern for imitation for all the members of this lodge. Would we always have to put out additional folding chairs? Would the Lodge have to consider adding permanent seating? Would a committee be working with an architect to expand the Lodge Room and Hall?

OR

Would the Lodge be seeking to merge with another Lodge or plan to go dark half of the time? Would the Brethren of this Lodge consider surrendering their charter?

OR

Imagine that you are the example followed by everyone in this district, in fact, in this Grand Jurisdiction. Would your example be the one that has attendance in Lodges throughout the State on the incline? Increasing so much so that good, worthy men want to find out what goes on in this building several times a month? What event or organization can draw a parking lot overflowing with cars? Would there soon be thirty-five or forty lodges in the Grand Jurisdiction of Delaware?

OR

Would the membership of this Lodge be on the decline? Would this Lodge, if it still existed, turn out to be in the District of Delaware under the Grand Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania?

My Brothers, these questions are posed for you to think about. However, they all boil down to the underlying question that I hope you will consider and continue to bear in mind: You are somebody’s impression of Freemasonry, are you a GOOD example? Do you leave them with a favorable impression?

So mote it be!

Herb Atkinson
Worshipful Master

PDF File : Updated April 13, 2009